Southern-Style Black-Eyed Peas with Ham Hocks and Bacon

Ingredients

• 1 pound Black-Eyed Peas (rinsed, drained, quick‑soaked)
• 4 slices Bacon (smoked, cooked until just done, not crispy)
• 2 pieces Ham Hocks (about 1.5 lb total, smoked)
• 2 quarts Chicken Broth (homemade or low‑sodium store‑bought)
• 1 whole Green Bell Pepper (diced)
• 2 stalks Celery Stalks (diced)
• 1 medium Onion (diced)
• 2 whole Jalapeño Peppers (sliced)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
• 2 leaves Bay Leaves
• to taste pinch Salt
• to taste pinch Black Pepper

Instructions

1. Quick Soak Black-Eyed Peas

   Place the rinsed peas in a pot, add 6‑8 cups of water, bring to a boil, boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit for 1 hour.

   Time: PT1H2M

2. Cook Bacon

   In the large pot over medium heat, add bacon slices and cook until just done but not crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: medium

3. Sauté Vegetables

   Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: medium

4. Add Garlic

   Sprinkle the garlic powder over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: medium

5. Combine Peas

   Drain the soaked peas and add them to the pot. Stir for 2‑3 minutes to coat the peas with the flavored oil.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: medium

6. Add Chicken Broth

   Pour in the chicken broth a little at a time, stirring after each addition, until the full 2 quarts are incorporated. Bring the mixture to a boil.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: high

7. Add Meat and Seasonings

   Gently lower the ham hocks into the pot, add sliced jalapeños, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and the 2 bay leaves. Stir gently to distribute.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: high

8. Simmer Beans

   Bring the pot back to a boil, then reduce heat to medium‑high. Partially cover the pot with the lid tilted so steam can escape. Simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and the broth has thickened.

   Time: PT1H15M

   Temperature: medium-high

9. Finish and Serve

   Remove the bay leaves, taste and adjust salt and pepper. Ladle the beans into bowls and serve hot.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

15 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

6 g